The Good Spirit
Fall Grants 2024 - Development Stage
Razan Madhoon / Feature Narrative / Palestine, United Kingdom, Qatar / 90 min / Original Language: Arabic / Interests: Drama
Synopsis
“Noor, a 22-year-old strong-willed resident of Gaza, discovers an injured stray dog and brings it home despite her family’s belief that dogs are impure and drive away good spirits from the household. At her insistence, the family agrees to care for the dog, but it must stay outside. The following night, the dog thwarts a thief attempting to break into their home, leading to the thief’s capture. Praised by neighbours for its bravery, some suggest the dog could serve as a “guard dog.” Gradually, the family allows the dog to stay.
The dog’s presence elicits mixed reactions from the community—from schoolboys scaling the walls to pilfer fruit, to women visiting Noor’s mother during social calls, and even religious figures calling on Noor’s father. While some express approval, others remain disapproving. Over time, the dog becomes a cherished companion, uniting the household. In a heartwarming gesture, the family names the dog “Malak,” meaning “The Good Spirit”. When Malak falls ill, the family does everything they can to help, but with limited access to veterinary care, the dog’s survival is not meant to be. Yet, even in loss, Malak leaves behind a resolute spirit of life and love that endures.”
Credits
- Director
- Razan Madhoon
- Screenwriter
- Razan Madhoon
- Producer
- Marie-Elena Dyche
- Production Company
- Meraki Films Ltd
About the Director
Razan Madhoon is a Palestinian writer and director based in Scotland. She holds an MA in Film Directing from the UK. In 2019, her feature screenplay ‘The Good Spirit’ was selected for development at BellRock Screenwriting Residency, funded by Creative Scotland, and she participated in the BellRock Directing Lab, led by Gyula Gazdag, the head of Sundance Directors Lab. In 2021, she wrote and directed her short film, ‘Go Home’, funded by Screen Scotland and the BFI Network. ‘Go Home’ screened at 25 different festivals in 10 countries, including LSFF, GSFF, British Shorts, Dinard, and others. She also participated in the Edinburgh International Film Festival Talent Lab and the BFI Network x Crew mentoring programme in 2021, mentored by TV director Dawn Shadforth, where she was her shadowing director on the set of ‘I Hate Suzie Too’ with Sky TV and Bad Wolf Productions in 2022. She recently finished working on her short film, ‘The Nobody’, with funds from the National Film and Television School and Amazon Prime Video.